Join us for an incredible informational course to support all producers. There may be a golden nugget just for you!
From The Ground Up!
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Visit Us at the Kenai River Center December 14th, 2021
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2022 Weed-Free Inspections
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Watch for our Operators Information Meet and Greet Coming Spring of 2022–Become informed and certify early!
Alaska’s Certified Weed-Free Gravel Program is a voluntary inspection program administered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources/Plant Materials Center and carried out on the Kenai Peninsula by the Kenai Soil & Water Conservation District. The purpose of the program is to increase the availability of weed-free products to land managers working in sensitive areas to prevent the spread of invasive weeds and protect fish and wildlife habitat.
The demand for certified weed-free gravel is growing. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge began requiring certified weed-free gravel for all construction projects within Refuge boundaries in late 2013. The US Forest Service, US Department of Transportation and BLM have also started to include weed-free provisions in their contracts. We expect demand to continue to expand as a result of large-scale highway projects slated for the Kenai Peninsula.
Getting certified is probably easier than you think. The first thing to know is that not all weeds are on the invasive list. The second is that even when invasive weeds are found, it is possible to treat them to meet certification requirements. Keep in mind that gravel has to be inspected before being moved. Certificates are good for 1 – 6 months depending on time of year and site conditions.
Certification is affordable. The annual fee of $500 includes three to four inspections and expert guidance on weed prevention and effective control measures at one site up to 5 acres. Partial-year certification is also available for short-term projects.
Be ready to bid on projects requiring certified weed-free gravel by requesting inspection early. Inspections are scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
For an inspection request form and fee schedule or request information about our Certified Weed-Free Forage program, email kenaiswcd@gmail.com, or call 283-8732 x 5. To learn more about what weeds are a problem and why, visit www.kenaiweeds.org.
We’re on Facebook!
With there being SO much interest in local food and agriculture and SO many events going on….we are using Facebook to keep up! Please “Like” our new Facebook page!
2021 Market Contacts
Dates, hours and who to call for information…
Alaska Food Hub (formerly Kenai Peninsula Food Hub)
Wednesdays, May – October
Drop off/pick up locations in Anchorage, Homer, Seldovia, Soldotna
Robbi Mixon, 907-235-4068 x 23 http://www.alaskafoodhub.org/
Farmers Fresh Market (at the Food Bank)
Tuesday, 3 – 6 pm, June 5 – Sept. 11
K-Beach Rd./Community College Dr.
Paul Sutherland, 262-3111
Homer Farmers Market
Wednesday, 2 – 5 pm, Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm
May 26 – Sept . 29
Ocean Drive, across from The Washboard
Robbi Mixon, 299-7540 www.homerfarmersmarket.org
Ninilchik Farmers Market (NEW in 2018)
Monday, 1 – 5 pm
June 11 & 18, July 2-20
Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds
Tiffany Sherman, 907-567-3670 http://www.ninilchikfarmersmarket.com/
Soldotna Saturday Farmers Market (the area’s oldest farmers market)
Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm, June 9 – Sept. 8
Kenai Spur Hwy & E. Corral
Elaine & Bill Howell, 907-394-2175 Facebook page
Soldotna Wednesday Market
Wednesday, 11 am – 5 pm, June 6 – Aug. 29
Soldotna Creek Park
Annette Villa, 907-252-7264 http://www.soldotnawednesdaymarket.com/
Additional information for Kenai Peninsula farmers at https://kenaisoilandwater.org/projects/kenaifarmcentral/
2021 Local Food Directory
Calling all farmers, fishers, local food business and local food supporters! Registration is open for the 2021 Kenai Peninsula Local Food Directory, the go-to resource for visitors, newcomers and long-time residents seeking local food of all kinds. Sign up by March 1 to list your business or organization! You’ll find registration and payment info here.
In the News: Local Agriculture
Growing the Economy: Agriculture Flourishing on the Kenai Peninsula
By Jenny Neyman
Dec. 23, 2015 — Redoubt Reporter
When people think about the economy of the Kenai Peninsula, it’s usually oil and gas, fishing, and maybe education, health care or government. But there’s a growing trend to add another sector to that list — farming.
“These are not hobby farmers, these are hard-working folks. They are investing in infrastructure, they are buying equipment, they’re building storage, they’re building refrigeration for peonies, they’re putting up more high tunnels planting more. These folks are thinking ahead, and I think the rest of us should, as well,” said Heidi Chay, manager of the Kenai Soil and Water Conservation District, speaking at a Kenai Chamber of Commerce meeting Dec. 16.
Commercial agriculture is typically thought of on a big scale, but the Kenai Peninsula is growing its own agricultural revolution, one small operation at a time.
“Today the farms that are making headlines are the small farms under 10 acres, very likely under 5 acres,” Chay said. …
Link to the full article: https://redoubtreporter.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/growing-the-economy-agriculture-flourishing-on-kenai-peninsula/
Help ID Soil Research Priorities
Kenai Peninsula farmers and gardeners are invited to participate in a quick-and-easy survey to help establish priorities for soil-based research right here on the Kenai Peninsula. An initial list of projects was developed in November by representatives of Kenai and Homer Soil and Water Conservation Districts, NRCS and UAF Cooperative Extension. Now it is your turn to weigh in! Here’s a link to the survey:
It will take about 3-5 minutes to complete. Please respond by Dec. 15 if possible. For more information, contact Heidi Chay at Kenai Soil and Water, 283-8732 x 5.
Local Media: Rhodiola on the Rise
Farm diversification with Rhodiola, a medicinal plant with an international market, was one of the many topics covered at the 5th Annual Kenai Peninsula Ag Forum last Saturday. Here’s a follow-up article from the Peninsula Clarion:
http://peninsulaclarion.com/
Local Media: O’Brien Garden and Trees
High tunnels boost Kenai orchard
By KELLY SULLIVAN and RASHAH McCHESNEY
Peninsula Clarion
June 22, 2014
Inside the towering high tunnels’ at O’Brien Garden and Trees, are rows of meticulously sown trees, erupting with vibrant green leaves; the branches laden with the beginnings of this year’s fruit crop.The expansive green space is the result of four-decades of experimentation and the recent move to indoor growing for the agricultural operation.
Link to the full article: http://peninsulaclarion.com/news/2014-06-22/how-to-use-a-high-tunnel